The Thursday morning,  June 4, Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard at 6:48 a.m.:

Worldwide cases: 6,563,099    Worldwide deaths:  387,634

U.S. cases: 1,860,890      U.S. deaths: 107,450

The U.S. cases increased by 21,723, slightly above average for the previous 13 days, and deaths increased by 897, slightly below average for the previous 13 days.

In international news, Sweden is experiencing a higher death toll than nearby countries.  According to the Washington Post, “Deaths in Sweden…have been eight times higher than in Denmark and 19 times higher than in Norway, even though Sweden is only double each neighbors’ size.”

As of this morning, the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 Dashboard reports that Sweden, with a population of just over 10 million, has 41,883 cases of COVID-19 and 4,562 deaths.  Sweden, unlike its neighbors, took a more relaxed approach to the coronavirus.  Elementary schools stayed open (though upper levels and universities closed), and restaurants and salons stayed open.   The Public Health Agency of Sweden did publish guidelines urging less crowding, but as recently as May 29 said masks are not needed, that staying away from others would suffice.  At least half of Sweden’s deaths have been in the elderly.

Denmark and Norway have eased travel restrictions on visitors from other countries–but not from Sweden.